Tannman wrote:
> Yesterday while I was away from home, a local "Reverend" (lol) from the
> Ventura Org appeared at my door telling my wife that he wanted to sit
> down with me and "mend" the rift I had with the cult. Needless to say I
> was thrown for a loop but I called a respected member of ARS for advice
> and recieved the wisdom I had hoped for. Having been Black PR'd what
> else can they due to me?? I however shall create a list in writing and
> submit it to both ARS and the local org.
>
> Is anyone one else getting the personal treatment?? Here we go!!
>
> Phil G
> tannman
> Man alive SP5
> What a ride!
Zinj is absolutely correct when he says, "The 'Visit' is the message. It says 'We know who you are. We know where you live. If you don't 'shudder into silence', we will visit not only you, but your neighbors and employers. And we will expand that circle of 'noisy investigation' to your family andy any other potential 'targets' *until* you comply 100% utterly with our wishes'."
There really is no intent to hold any meaningful dialogue. The whole "can't we just sit down and talk out our problems?" is bogus. Does this local "reverend" have the power or authority to change things within Scientology? No, he certainly does not! So, outlining that which offends you within the cult would be an utter waste of time. You may as well spend a few hours talking to a wall.
My advice is, the next time he calls or, ghod forbid, shows up on your doorstep, point that out. He has no authority to make changes in "church" policy, therefore, it's pointless to discuss anything with him. Politely tell him you don't have the time to waste in meaningless verbal judo, invite him not to come back, and shut the door.
They are testing you. If you seem intimidated by them, this crap will continue. If they get the idea that you're not going to cave, eventually they'll leave you along and look for a weaker victim.
Down here, the cult is so chickenshit, they never approached me, but sent a couple of "parishioners" to visit my folks instead. I'm sure they had hopes that their visit would frighten my parents enough that I would back off. That wasn't the case. Not even when one of them warned them that "We know how to make her shut up."
Yeah, that worked real well! It worked so well, they are actively spreading the word about what a noxious piece of shit Scientology is.
Stupid cult morons! Where do they think I got my attitude from anyway?
Stand firm. Don't back down. And take all the usual security precautions:
Security Precautions
1. Let your friends and family know that they might be contacted by a Scientology PI seeking information on you. They may pose as police officers or potential employers. Establish a safety perimeter by warning people close to you not to give out any information, no matter what the pretense.
2. Password protect all your accounts, including utilities. Scientology representatives will try to acquire personal information, including bank and phone records. If possible, arrange to be notified when a request for information comes through.
3. Notify your neighbors to be on the lookout for strange vehicles in your neighborhood. Scientology operatives will often 'stake out' a target, as well as canvass the neighborhood asking questions about you.
4. Never leave anything in your vehicle! Don't leave mail lying about in your car where addresses are visible. Make sure your vehicle registration isn't visible from the outside.
5. Cross-cut shredder. Buy it, use it! Shred everything that might have information Scientology can use. There have been numerous reports of people having their trash gone through or even stolen. Dump kitty litter on top of the shredded documents to make it more attractive.
6. Home and phone security. Practice basic security. Keep your doors locked and your pets inside when you're not home. Make sure your kids know not to give out any information to callers. Again, callers may pose as police or other officials. Make sure everyone is aware of that.
7. Be alert for anything "strange." Keep a log of any and all unusual occurances, time and date. It is important to maintain a timeline of these. If possible, write down the license plate of any mysterious cars following you or parked in your neighborhood.
You can expect to be followed. False police reports may be filed against you. Your neighborhood may be fliered with libellous accusations against you. Get copies! Most importantly, be sure to publicize any and all threats, stalkers, information seekers, or intimidation. Communication, in cases like this, is of utmost importance. This type of intimidation only works if people keep silent about it. When people realize that they're not the only ones targetted, it becomes less intimidating.
-- --barb Chaplain,ARSCC
"Imagine a church so dangerous, you must sign a release form before you can receive its "spiritual assistance." This assistance might involve holding you against your will for an indefinite period, isolating you from friends and family, and denying you access to appropriate medical care. You will of course be billed for this treatment - assuming you survive it. If not, the release form absolves your caretakers of all responsibility for your suffering and death.
Welcome to the Church of Scientology."
--Dr. Dave Touretzky Peter Alexander